Rio Ferdinand has a tip of his own for bookmakers up and down the country – write Manchester United off at your peril.
United have cantered into a 12-point lead in the Premier League this year, and despite defeat in the Manchester derby, look to have wrestled the title away from City.
But to the outrage of the 34-year-old, Ferdinand claims betting firms choose not to back the Red Devils after a title-winning campaign.
“Every year that we’ve won the league, the following season we’ve never been favourites to win the league,” Ferdinand told BBC Radio Manchester.
“That’s in most people’s books or in the bookies’ books, and that’s always riled me.
“If you win the league, you should be the favourites next year because you’ve been the best team in the league – it’s simple.”
Sir Alex Ferguson’s men travel to Stoke City on Sunday in the hope of brushing off their derby disappointment on the way to their 20th league title.
Ferdinand’s personal league trophy haul is five, stretching across a whole decade since his £30m move from Leeds United.
As part of a side people love to hate, the London-born defender has heard plenty of doubters in his time – but he insists it only makes the Red Devils stronger.
“People don’t want to see us win the league and we thrive off that,” he added. “We love it.”
Picture via Илья Хохлов, via Wiki Commons, with thanks.
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